ABOUT US
Rooted in Singapore.
Connected by history.
Our story begins with maritime heritage—and an interest in the understanding it can create between people and cultures.
OUR PURPOSE
A maritime legacy.
A living conversation.
The International Zheng He Society was founded in Singapore in 2003 by Dr Tan Ta Sen and Dr Leo Suryadinata. Its focus brings together historical research, education and cultural exchange through the legacy of Zheng He and the Maritime Silk Road.
Zheng He’s voyages offer a lens through which to explore the movement of people, knowledge and culture across oceans. The Society’s outlook connects Singapore with Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the wider world.
Through this heritage, we seek to encourage learning, dialogue and intercultural understanding.
OUR HISTORY
Selected moments.
Lasting connections.
Milestones from the Society’s story and its founders’ contributions to maritime heritage.
Selected milestones from the Society’s history. Founding roles and past milestones do not establish current officeholders or institutional affiliations.
The Society is founded
Dr Tan Ta Sen and Dr Leo Suryadinata founded the International Zheng He Society in Singapore to advance Zheng He studies and cultural exchange.
A home for maritime heritage
The Society’s founding president, Dr Tan Ta Sen, established the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum in Malacca. This milestone reflects a founder’s contribution to maritime heritage.
Bringing perspectives together
The Society co-organised an international Zheng He symposium with the Malacca Museums Corporation.
Twenty years of connection
A twentieth-anniversary forum in Singapore explored Zheng He’s legacy and Maritime Silk Road culture.
ORGANISATION
How the Society works.
A clear division between governance, advice, administration and programme delivery helps the Society act responsibly and consistently.
- GOVERNANCE
President & governing body
Set the Society’s direction, uphold its purpose and provide oversight and accountability.
- GUIDANCE
Honorary advisers
Offer independent counsel on scholarship, culture and institutional relationships.
- OPERATIONS
Secretariat
Coordinate administration, correspondence, records, communications and the implementation of approved decisions.
- DELIVERY
Programme & event teams
Bring together appropriate contributors for research, education, cultural exchange and individual events.